Aboriginal Government Participation

NWT Aboriginal governments have been active participants in devolution negotiations from the beginning. Since 2001, Aboriginal governments have received more than $8 million from the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to support their participation. The Dehcho First Nations have chosen not to participate or take funding for participation.

2000

Leaders from the NWT Aboriginal governments, GNWT and Government of Canada identify land and resources devolution as a priority at the first NWT Intergovernmental Forum.

2001

The Aboriginal Summit, GNWT and Government of Canada ratify a Memorandum of Intent, formally establishing their intention to negotiate the devolution of land and resources to the GNWT.

2002

First negotiations among the parties take place.

2004

The Aboriginal Summit, GNWT and Government of Canada sign a Framework Agreement establishing the scope of the negotiations.

2007

The GNWT and participating Aboriginal governments sign a draft Devolution Agreement-in-Principle (AiP). The agreement is not accepted by the Government of Canada. There is a break in the negotiations.

2010

Negotiations resume. Some Aboriginal governments that had signed the draft AiP now decline to participate.

2011

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, NWT Métis Nation, GNWT and Government of Canada sign the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle (AiP). Final devolution agreement talks begin with the signatories to the AiP.

2012-2013

The Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Gwich’in Tribal Council and Tlicho Government sign the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle and re-engage in negotiations.

2013

Final Agreement signed.

2014

The Devolution Agreement comes into effect on April 1.Acho Dene Koe First Nation, the Salt River First Nation and the Deninu Kue First Nation sign the Devolution Agreement.

First Intergovernmental Council Meeting takes place.

2015

Katl’odeeche First Nation sign the Devolution Agreement

Current Devolution Signatories

Government of the Northwest Territories

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Gwich’in Tribal Council

Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated

Northwest Territory Métis Nation

Tlicho Government

Acho Dene Koe First Nation and the Fort Liard Métis Local #67

Salt River First Nation

Deninu Kue First Nation

Kátl’odeeche First Nation

A key feature of the Devolution Agreement is the establishment of an Intergovernmental Council to allow the public and Aboriginal governments to cooperate and collaborate on matters related to lands and resource management. To learn more about the Intergovernmental Council, please visit their website at http://www.igcnwt.ca/.